Tennis player Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, announced that he tested positive for cocaine and has been temporarily banned from the sport. The 31-year-old Australian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final, has participated in only two Grand Slam tournaments since then. Due to a series of injuries, Kyrgios’ current ranking is 919th.
On social media, Kyrgios disclosed the details of his failed drug test in Mallorca, where he tested positive for cocaine during a lower-level tournament in June. He admitted to his mistake and accepted full responsibility for the situation.
Cocaine is prohibited as a performance-enhancing substance during competitions, with varying levels of penalties depending on whether it was used during or outside of events.
Known for his struggles with mental health, exacerbated by alcohol and drug issues, Kyrgios expressed the challenges he faced realizing that his tennis career is nearing its end after being plagued by injuries for the past two years. Despite feeling helpless and isolated at times, he acknowledged that this does not justify his actions.
Last month, Kyrgios received a wild card to compete in the doubles event at Wimbledon but was eliminated in the opening round alongside his partner Alexander Bublik.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) will handle the case and reported that Kyrgios’ sample was collected on June 22, with the positive cocaine test confirmed on July 17, following his participation in Wimbledon.
An interim suspension was imposed on August 4 and Kyrgios has not contested it, according to the ITIA.
